Children from the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy showcased their skills during a weekend of mini-productions at the recently refurbished MADC Clubrooms to an enthusiastic audience of family and friends.

Through the year students in the academy have experienced the dynamic teaching of a unique self-development programme designed to increase their confidence, self-esteem, communicative ability and creative talents. The skills learnt were transferred to their shows where they demonstrated how their vocal training develops clear, articulate speech, with lots of expression. Creative performance skills were evident as the children included strong, relevant ad-libbing and clear characterisation.

Classes at the Helen O’Grady Academy are divided into three age groups: Lower Primary (five- to eight-year-olds), Upper Primary (nine to 11 years) and Youth Theatre, aimed at students of secondary school age.

Plays performed during the weekend included The Pied Piper, The Old Woman Who Lived in A Shoe, Circus Capers and Life on the Ocean Waves while the Youth Theatre class presented the wacky play Murder At Mornington Manor.

Alan Montanaro, principal for the Malta branch of the academy thanked the HSBC Cares for Children Fund, Malcolm Miller of Agenda Bookshops, The Alf. Mizzi & Sons Foundation, Melo Hili and Daniel Vella for their support in sponsoring individual children from underprivileged backgrounds who are now benefiting from the academy’s programme.

Classes for the Helen O’Grady Academy will resume next October. For more information visit www.helenogradymalta.com